Increasing LMS adoption: Does the User Interface make a difference?

With increasing training and knowledge needs within an organization, Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are a part of the training structure in every workplace. With changing technology and more importantly, changing learner needs, LMSs too are now evolving to increase their scope and impact on workplace learning. As users get exposed to the best in technology in every other aspect of their work, they expect the same from the LMS as well.

According to the LMS trends survey 2014 by the Brandon Hall Group, the top reasons for learners’ dissatisfaction from a learning platform include poor usability, mobile incompatibility and out-of-date looks. Modern LMSs are keeping this in mind and incorporating features that cater to the expectations of the new-age learner. An easy to use and intuitive User Interface (UI) can increase the Learners’ satisfaction with the system by leaps and bounds. Here are some features that can be included to make your UI truly user-friendly:

Logical and Intuitive Design: The LMS should not be another system that the learners need to master and get used to. The structure should be logical and follow the most preferred routes to reach required knowledge nuggets on the system. For instance, the LMS should be synchronized with other existing systems within the organization like the HRMS. This will allow the learner to be directed to the catalogue of available content as per his or her profile in the organization – instead of browsing through the entire library of contents to find the courses available for study. This saves a lot of time and effort for the learner – making sure that the event of learning starts as soon as the learner logs on.

Clean lines and Modern Look: Looks matter, and that’s the reality. Archaic design is as unacceptable to the modern learner as is archaic technology. LMS built with the latest in technology also have to reflect modern looks in the UI. An uncluttered UI is easy on the eyes as well as easy to use. Design cues from other technology platforms can also be incorporated to aid ease of learning as well as make the UI look better. For instance, in our WiZDOM v5.0 we have included a tabbed view structure that makes sure that the learner understands the utility of each tab with a single click and does not have to explore multiple sections to reach the desired information on the LMS. Not only does it increase the usability, but the UI looks clean and uncluttered with the tabbed view structure.

Personalized learning: Modern users are intelligent learners, who know exactly what they want and how they want it. A personalized way of learning is thus a priority for them. By inserting simple options into the UI, it can be personalized for each learner or learner group within the organizational structure. Our LMS has included a choice of ‘themes’ into the UI – where the background, color scheme and other visual cues can be set as per the choice of the learner. By assigning a special theme for a learner group, the manager can create solidarity among the team-mates. For individualistic learners, it is a way to create their own learning space and truly make it their own. This creates a powerful push for learning and increases the overall adoption of the LMS as well.

Mobile friendly UI: It is not just enough to make your LMS mobile-compatible. It is important to create a UI which keeps in mind the specifications and needs of mobile devices as well. Technology like web-responsive design can be used to provide uniformity of learning experience, irrespective of the user’s viewing device. So, whether it is your desktop computer with a higher resolution screen or your smartphone with considerably smaller dimensions, the viewing experience and ease of use does not change. The content adapts itself automatically as per the specifications of the device, and the view alters accordingly. The UI can also be made touch-friendly, to maintain parity with the smartphone and tablet experience. The buttons should be big enough to be clicked by the thumb and support actions like drag, drop and swipe.

Non-essentials not included: And finally, it is best to clear the UI of all non-essential options that end up confusing the learners. Many options that are used at the start of the learning initiative can be redundant as the learning progresses. The LMS should keep evolving and removing non-essentials to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

The UI is the first look of the LMS solutions, creating the first impression in the minds of the learners. So, it makes a lot of sense in creating a UI which aligns itself to the needs of the modern workplace learner. This can make a world of difference in your LMS adoption. To know more about intuitive UIs, write to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to share!

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G-Cube is an award-winning eLearning services company that designs, develops and delivers technology-based learning solutions. Its solutions help organizations to improve their performance by using learning as a tool. Its Learning solutions are broadly categorized into e-Learning Design, Courses Development and Learning Delivery Solutions.G-Cube ́s elearning services include custom content development, mobile learning...Read More